For the first time in its history, the Chicago Auto Show, which usually operates in February, opened its doors as a summer event. The show, which started in 1901, is the longest running auto show in North America. This year also marks the first event at McCormick Place since the start of the pandemic.
“We are taking an important step forward – a step away from the challenges of the pandemic and toward normalcy,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. “The Chicago Auto Show is the nation’s longest-running, and it’s a marquee event for McCormick Place and the entire region…this year, the show is operating with a hybrid indoor-outdoor model for the first time in city history, ensuring that health and safety here at McCormick Place are our highest priority.”
Hosting the event in summer allowed organizers to safely open the venue up to more attendees than would be possible indoors, but that is not the only change. With outdoor spaces available, attendees were also able to experience new test track experiences, test drive new vehicles, and enjoy a Street Fest element in the evenings. The Chicago Auto Show Street Fest included food trucks, beer from Chicago-based Goose Island, street musicians, and much more.
Some of the new outdoor experiences included Ford’s Built Wild and Built to Electrify, both of which debuted at this auto show.
Volkswagen also offered outdoor experiences to attendees, offering education and a test drive of its VW ID.4 Roadshow EV.
Other OEMs also offered outdoor test drive opportunities.
